Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1601EAI
- Part No.:
- MAX1601EAI
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Unclassified
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1601EAI.pdf
- Description:
- IC CARDBUS DUAL & PCMCIA 28-SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

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Inventory:830
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Product details
Overview
MAX1601EAI from Maxim Integrated is a dual-channel CardBus/PCMCIA power switch IC that delivers programmable 3.3V (VY) and 5V (VX) VCC outputs plus 12V VPP outputs to two independent host sockets. It features 0.08Ω max on-resistance for VY switches, 1A output current capability per VCC channel, SMBus™ serial interface control, thermal shutdown at +150°C, and <1µA standby supply current. It is used in notebook computers and docking stations to enable hot-plug power management of PC Cards.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1601EAI datasheet, MAX1601EAI pinout, MAX1601EAI application, or MAX1601EAI equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world switching performance data, confirmed pin functions, PCMCIA-compliant rise/fall time specifications, and validated alternative options for CardBus power-switching designs requiring low-RDS(ON), soft-switching, and fault-flag reporting.
Technical Context
The MAX1601EAI implements two independent, SMBus-controlled power-switch channels (A and B), each with separate VCC (3.3V/5V-selectable) and VPP (12V) outputs. Its internal architecture includes dedicated charge pumps for VY-based 3.3V switching-enabling full operation even when 5V/12V rails are absent-and break-before-make logic to prevent supply rail contention during voltage transitions.
Each channel integrates overcurrent detection (4A VCC limit, 200mA VPP limit), undervoltage lockout (1.4V–2.9V threshold), thermal shutdown with hysteresis (+150°C trip, +130°C recovery), and an open-drain SMBALERT output that latches on catastrophic faults. The device supports three operating modes-normal, standby (GND/high-Z), and shutdown (VL-driven)-with automatic current reduction during static switch states.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| VY Switch RDS(ON) | 0.08 Ω max - enables 1A continuous 3.3V load current with <260mV drop at full load |
| VX Switch RDS(ON) | 0.14 Ω max - supports 1A 5V loads with <700mV conduction loss |
| VCC Output Current Limit | 4 A - hardware-enforced short-circuit protection per channel, no external sense resistor needed |
| VPP Output Current Limit | 200 mA - protects 12V programming circuits against overloads during PC Card insertion |
| Standby Supply Current | 1 µA max - reduces system power when all switches are in high-Z or GND state |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | +150°C - shuts down all switches and asserts SMBALERT to prevent permanent junction damage |
| Undervoltage Lockout | 1.4V–2.9V range - disables VCC/VPP outputs if VX or VY falls below safe switching level |
| SMBus Interface Speed | DC to 100 kHz - compatible with standard SMBus timing, including suspend-mode register access via SMBSUS pin |
Pinout & Package
MAX1601EAI is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package (0.2 inch / 5 mm wide), RoHS-compliant and rated for -40°C to +85°C operation. Pin assignments are validated per Maxim's official pin description table and functional diagram.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND (Pins 1, 25) | Power and signal reference ground | Common return path for all internal switches and logic; must be low-impedance connection to system ground plane |
| VY (Pins 19, 21, 23) | 3.3V input supply for VCC switching | Three parallel pins reduce trace resistance; connects to 3.3V rail to enable low-RDS(ON) VY-based VCC outputs |
| VX (Pins 6, 8, 10) | 5V input supply for VCC switching | Three parallel pins support 5V rail routing; selects 5V output on VCCA/VCCB when VCCA3/5 = low |
| 12INA / 12INB (Pins 4, 12) | 12V input for VPP switching | Independent inputs allow asymmetric 12V sourcing per channel; tied to respective VPPA/VPPB when not used |
| VCCA / VCCB (Pins 7, 22, 24 / 9, 18, 20) | Channel A/B VCC outputs | Three pins per channel distribute current and reduce IR drop; deliver 3.3V or 5V to CardBus socket power planes |
| VPPA / VPPB (Pins 5, 11) | Channel A/B VPP outputs | 12V programming voltage outputs compliant with PCMCIA VPP timing and current requirements |
| SMBCLK / SMBDATA (Pins 15, 16) | SMBus clock and bidirectional data | Schmitt-triggered, 5V-tolerant I/O; supports multi-master bus sharing and suspend-mode command storage |
| SMBALERT (Pin 17) | Open-drain fault interrupt output | Latches low on overcurrent, thermal overload, or undervoltage; requires external pull-up for host CPU interrupt signaling |
| VL (Pin 28) | Logic supply and master shutdown input | Accepts 3.3V/5V logic rail; pulling VL <2.3V forces immediate shutdown and high-Z outputs |
| ADR (Pin 13) | SMBus address select | Configures one of four possible SMBus addresses (1010000–1010011) to avoid bus conflicts in multi-device systems |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent CardBus channels | Enables simultaneous, software-controlled power delivery to two PCMCIA sockets without shared resource contention |
| 0.08Ω max VY on-resistance | Reduces conduction loss by >40% vs. MAX1604, critical for high-current 3.3V CardBus applications |
| Independent VY charge pumps | Allows full 3.3V VCC switching even when 5V and 12V supplies are off-essential for low-power suspend/resume sequences |
| Break-before-make switching | Prevents momentary short-circuit between VX (5V) and VY (3.3V) during voltage selection, eliminating supply rail collapse |
| Guaranteed rise/fall times | 100µs min VCC rise (1µF load), 1ms min VPP rise (0.1µF load)-tested and guaranteed per PCMCIA specification compliance |
| Integrated fault flagging | SMBALERT reports overcurrent, thermal overload, and undervoltage events with latch-and-hold behavior for reliable host diagnostics |
Applications
| CardBus Hot-Swap Power Control | PCMCIA Read/Write Drive Power Management |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dynamic insertion/removal of CardBus peripherals (e.g., wireless modems, Ethernet adapters) in notebook computers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel power switch controlling VCC/VPP sequencing, soft-start timing, and fault isolation per socket. Use Value: Prevents inrush surges >1A, ensures PCMCIA-spec compliant 100µs VCC rise time, and disables faulty cards via SMBALERT before system-level damage occurs. |
Use Scenario: Powering flash memory or SRAM PC Cards in industrial data loggers with battery-backed operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable VCC selector (3.3V/5V) and VPP generator with SMBus-configurable timing and shutdown. Use Value: Enables 3.3V-only operation to extend battery life; independent charge pumps maintain VCC during 5V/12V brownout; SMBus allows runtime reconfiguration without reset. |
| Docking Station Peripheral Port Expansion | Notebook Embedded CardBus Controller Interface |
Use Scenario: Adding dual CardBus slots to a desktop docking station supporting legacy PC Cards and CompactFlash adapters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Centralized power switch managing both VCC and VPP for two independent sockets under host OS control. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete MOSFETs and gate drivers; SMBus interface simplifies firmware integration; thermal shutdown prevents overheating during sustained 1A loads. |
Use Scenario: Integration into a notebook motherboard's embedded CardBus controller ASIC interface. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Physical-layer power switch with precise rise/fall control, fault reporting, and VL-driven master shutdown synchronized to system sleep states. Use Value: Guarantees <1µA standby current during S3/S4 sleep; SMBALERT wake signal alerts host of card-initiated faults; VL pin enables hardware-coordinated power gating. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar CardBus power-switching applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX1604EAI | VY switch RDS(ON) = 0.14Ω (vs. 0.08Ω in MAX1601EAI); otherwise identical pinout, interface, and feature set | Higher conduction loss limits max 3.3V load current to ~700mA at same thermal budget; suitable where 1A is not required | Select MAX1604EAI only if lower cost justifies reduced 3.3V drive capability; verify thermal margin with actual board layout and airflow |
| TPS2300IPW | Single-channel, 3.3V/5V VCC switch only; no VPP generation; 0.07Ω RDS(ON); 20-pin TSSOP package | Cannot replace MAX1601EAI in dual-socket or VPP-required applications; lacks SMBus, thermal shutdown, and fault flagging | Use only for simplified single-socket designs where VPP is externally generated and SMBus control is unnecessary |
Compared with MAX1604EAI and TPS2300IPW, MAX1601EAI uniquely combines dual-channel operation, integrated 12V VPP switching, sub-0.1Ω 3.3V RDS(ON), and full SMBus fault reporting-making it the only option for compact, standards-compliant, hot-plug-ready CardBus implementations requiring both VCC and VPP per socket.
Availability
MAX1601EAI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, docking stations, and PCMCIA read/write drives requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX1601EAI includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for computing, communications, and industrial applications.
The MAX1601/MAX1604 product line was designed specifically for PCMCIA and CardBus host controllers, delivering integrated, SMBus-programmable power switching with guaranteed timing, fault protection, and ultra-low standby current in space-constrained SSOP packages.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the MAX1601EAI VY switches?
The MAX1601EAI VY switches support up to 1A continuous output current per channel, enabled by its 0.08Ω max on-resistance-verified across -40°C to +85°C and confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Operating Output Current Range" and "On-Resistance, VY Switches". This rating applies to VCCA and VCCB when configured for 3.3V operation via VCCA3/5 or VCCB3/5 control bits.
Does the MAX1601EAI require external components to meet PCMCIA VCC rise-time specifications?
No, the MAX1601EAI guarantees 100µs minimum VCC rise time with a 1µF capacitive load and 25Ω resistive load-100% production tested per datasheet. No external RC networks or slew-rate control components are needed; internal soft-switching circuitry ensures compliance across temperature and voltage conditions without design overhead.
How does the MAX1601EAI handle thermal overload, and what happens to the SMBALERT pin?
When the MAX1601EAI junction temperature exceeds +150°C, thermal shutdown opens all switches-including GND paths-and pulls SMBALERT low. SMBALERT remains latched low until temperature falls below +130°C, at which point switches resume controlled turn-on. This behavior is documented in the "Thermal Shutdown" section and confirmed in Typical Operating Characteristics Figure TOC-12.
Can the MAX1601EAI operate with only a 3.3V supply, or are 5V and 12V rails mandatory?
The MAX1601EAI can operate with only a 3.3V supply applied to VY pins-its independent internal charge pumps enable full 3.3V VCC switching even when VX (5V) and 12IN_ (12V) are disconnected or powered down. This is explicitly stated in the General Description and validated in the "5V and 12V Not Required for Low-RDS(ON) 3.3V Switching" feature bullet.
What is the function of the VL pin on the MAX1601EAI, and how should it be used for system shutdown?
The VL pin serves as both logic supply (3.3V/5V) and master shutdown input. Pulling VL below 2.3V forces all switches into high-Z state and reduces total supply current to ≤1µA. For clean shutdown, Maxim recommends a 1kΩ series resistor and 0.1µF capacitor to ground (Figure 2), ensuring a controlled 0.05V/µs fall rate to prevent false triggering during power-down sequences.
MAX1601EAI Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
MAX1601EAI FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1601EAI through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1601EAI on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX1601EAI reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1601EAI are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1601EAI is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1601EAI?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX1601EAI transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1601EAI?
MAX1601EAI orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1601EAI order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX1601EAI?
For technical support, including MAX1601EAI datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1601EAI requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1601EAI is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1601EAI products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX1601EAI meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1601EAI?
All MAX1601EAI units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1601EAI, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX1601EAI part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1601EAI:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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